Brazil projected to lead global food exports by 2026

Brazilian Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin announced that Brazil is projected to become the world's leading food exporter by the end of 2026, potentially surpassing the United States.

Speaking at an event in Brasilia, Alckmin noted that the country has achieved a milestone of 700 new international market openings for agribusiness products since 2023. This expansion is attributed to increased productivity, technological advancements from institutions like Embrapa, and strengthened trade diplomacy.

In 2025, the United States recorded US$ 171 billion in agricultural exports, while Brazil reached US$ 169 billion. Projections suggest Brazil could hit US$ 180 billion in 2026, exceeding the US$ 177.5 billion forecast for the United States. While Brazil benefits from high demand for commodities like soybeans, coffee, and meat—particularly from China—officials noted the need to diversify export destinations and increase the production of higher-value processed goods.